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RV Vacation and RV Camping ideas

From the end of September to mid October, discover Southern Ontario's second "Natural Wonder".  A river drift into autumn's crimson fire... splashed with burnt orange and hickory yellows. Watch as each stroke opens the canvas of the Carolinian forest. Listen as a blue jays echo across the sky. You have just entered the Grand River Valley.

A "Fall Colours" drift on the Grand River is an experience not to be missed. There is the warm sun on your back and the whole valley before you. The beauty is fragile... easily dispelled by the wind. Even the steely waters reflect colour. Every breath inhales the fragrance of leaves. And there is an autumn silence... as if no one has been here before. Visitors find it hard to believe that cities lie beyond the horizon.

Fall Colour Drifts are offered 7 days a week. The journey down the river uses eight person rafts, there are also guided canoe and kayak trips available.

The rafts offer no fear of tipping and all trips include a personal guide. You can sit in the rafts and paddle... or request deck-chaired platforms to drift. The guided trips are designed to give the group their own wilderness intimacy, but groups of up to 30 people can be accommodated. The drifts are 2 to 3 hours long. Departure times can be custom scheduled to accommodate people traveling from a distance.

Overnight accommodations & great restaurants are available in the Grand River Valley. Along with the B&Bs, there is the elegant Arlington Hotel in Paris with fine dining. For the more rustic... there is Pinehurst Conservation Area and Brant Park Conservation Area for camping.

The countryside River Ridge Bed & Breakfast, near Paris caters to small groups. They have an outdoors hot tub & heated swimming pool. Their North Wing Suite can accommodate a family of up to 6 for $180 total with a country breakfast included. There is also their honeymoon Master's Den and the Pinery Suite. They have a total capacity of 12 people. The Grand River Rafting Company in Paris, Ontario offers the Fall Colour Drifts. The cost for a platform drift of four is $220. Without the platform, the cost is $35 per person with a minimum cost of $140 for two. Families can rent for a minimum rental price of $180 with children. All boating equipment, guide, return shuttle ride and tax are included in the price. Reservations can be made by contacting grandriverrafting.ca or calling toll free to 1-866-286-7722.

If you are looking for something different this autumn... whether a day trip or overnight... why not experience the Grand River Valley?

About the Author

Garth Pottruff is a professional forester with an extensive canoeing, kayaking and rafting background. He teaches edible & medicinal plants, native & settler history of the Grand River Valley, plant & wildlife identification in the Carolinian Forest. He is a certified ORCA canoe and kayak instructor for beginners. But what you will discover most about him is that he has a passion for sharing the Grand River Valley with all.

Toronto Travel Tips   by Sharon Stajda

One of my favorite vacation spots is Toronto, Canada. Coming from the city of Detroit, it is only about three and half hours away. It is a straight shot up the 401 highway once your cross the border in Detroit.

Toronto has often been called the New York City of Canada. I think it lives up to this comparison. However, Toronto is much cleaner and safer than New York City. I have been amazed at how clean the city is for such a large population. I have also never felt in danger even when walking around past midnight.

As far as things to see and do, you will never run out. I have probably made about twenty five trips to Toronto in my life and I have never been bored. There is always old favorites along with new things popping up all the time.

Below is my list of the top ten things you should see and do in Toronto. These are things that you should not miss on your visit.

1. Take a walk down Bloor Street. This is the Park Avenue of Toronto. You will find all of the fancy shops on this street. Including Gucci, Prada, and the amazing Holt-Renfrew department store. If you can afford $500 for a pair of jeans, this is the place for you. Beyond the expensive stores, it is a nice walk and great people watching. And as always, window shopping is free.

2. Visit the quirky shops of Queen Street. This street is synonymous with the term "Funky". You will find hip clothing stores, independent record shops, and other off the wall type establishments. Favorite bar to visit on this street is the legendary Horseshoe Tavern. Every great Canadian music act has played there.

3. Stroll through Chinatown. Looking for dim sum? Exotic Chinese herbs? Rare teas? Toronto's Chinatown is the place for you. Chinese restaurants shy away from the traditional "North American Chinese" menu. Instead, they serve up variety of authentic dishes that feed the over 400,000 people of Chinese background in Toronto.

4. Shop at the Eaton Center. I am not one for shopping malls. However, I do love the Eaton Center. The mall itself is a six storey glass ceiling structure modeled after Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It has over 285 stores with a great food court on the lower level. Make sure to visit New York fries and order the Poutine. A blend of french fries, cheese curds and gravy.

5. Take a trip on the subway. The Toronto subway is clean, safe, and easy to navigate. There are two main lines, the Younge-University-Spadina and the Bloor-Danforth. From the subway, you can get to all of the main tourist hotspots.

6. Visit the top of the CN Tower. The world's tallest building at 553m (1815 ft). The view is amazing. At the top of the tower is the 360 restaurant. This is a world class restaurant. The floor does a complete rotation every 72 minutes. When dining, you will get to view the city below from each direction.

7. What would a visit to the great white north be without a bit of hockey? Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hockey has a special place in the national conscious of the Canadians. Make sure to visit the Wayne Gretzky area.

8. Gourmets will love St. Lawrence Market. Considered in the top twenty five markets in the world, it has over 50 specialty vendors. Great vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese, and seafood abound. On the lower level, visit the St. Lawrence Market Juice Bar. They specialize in freshly squeezed juices of all kinds and related products.

9. Visit the eclectic Kensington Market area. Dating back to the original settlement of Toronto in 1790s by the British, you will now find a diverse area of shopping representing the cultures of Portuguese, East Indian, Ethiopian and Caribbean.

10. Eat in Little Italy. For my money, the restaurants in Little Italy represent are the best restaurants in all of Toronto. Beyond restaurants, you will find exciting night life in this area. This includes wonderful Italian coffee shops, gelato, music bars, and even Latin dancing.

I hope these tips will help you enjoy your visit to Toronto.

About the Author

Sharon Stajda loves to write about her travels. Visit Toronto, Canada for further information.